What is Crystal Meth?
At the beginning of the year, people all around the world put together lists of resolutions to keep. Many of those resolutions don’t even last into the following month because life changes are very difficult based on will-power alone. When it comes to crystal meth addiction, even when people promise — in clear moments — to never use again, most will need help to accomplish their goals. The reality is, to quit using long term requires holistic healing from addiction. Finding the right addiction treatment program can help with both.
The Role of Detoxification
Detox is the first step in any addiction treatment program. During detox, the body is given the chance to rid itself of any substances of abuse. It’s an important first step before any education and therapy can take place toward healing. The detox phase often comes with withdrawal symptoms as the body reacts to not having the drug. Crystal meth withdrawal symptoms include the following:
It is during detox that people are most susceptible to the temptation of relapse because taking the drug again is what will make the withdrawal symptoms stop. Also, patients who find themselves in a psychotic episode during detox pose a threat to themselves and other. For these reasons, it is always best to undertake detox in a medically-supervised setting. This allows doctors and nurses to monitor your symptoms — and even offer medication or holistic treatment to help ease withdrawal discomfort — as well as keep you safe.
Treatment Options for Crystal Meth Addiction
No two treatment plans are exactly alike, just as no two addicted patients are exactly alike. The treatment provided is closely matched to the needs of the patient at that time; therefore, the patient and treatment plan coordinator will together develop a plan best for the patient as well as assess it together during treatment.
Common discussion points for developing a plan include the following:
- How long the person has been abusing meth
- How motivated that person is to get better
- The ability of friends and family to support their loved one in recovery
- The patient’s employment and educational status
- The patient’s mental and physical health status
With this information, the care plan coordinator can come up with a comprehensive treatment plan along with the patient. Sometimes it is best for a patient to enter residential rehab in which he or she lives in the treatment facility, receiving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People who often need inpatient care are those who have relapsed after treatment in the past or have a more severe addiction and a lesser support system.
Other patients may do well in outpatient care in which they can continue to uphold their responsibilities at home and at work. In outpatient treatment, patients continue to meet several times a week for different therapy sessions, but the sessions fit around family, and often, work schedules.
Therapy Models
Addiction recovery often involves numerous modalities to help the patient heal in the most holistic way. Talk therapies as well as on-going life education help the patient gain the knowledge and life skills to help prepare him or her for life after an addiction. Common treatment modalities for crystal meth addiction include the following:
- Matrix Model
This is positivity-based treatment plan common to stimulant addictions in with the therapist serves as a coach for the patient offering encouragement and promoting self-esteem to help the patient heal from addiction.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This therapy is skills based in which the therapist helps the patient gain understanding of what led to the addiction and correct old or gain new skills to prevent relapse and thrive in recovery.
- Motivational Incentives
Patients are given rewards for their abstinence, and the rewards become incentives to stay clean.
- Group Therapy
Although the patient will certainly gain much from one-on-one time with a therapist, there is much to be learned from working alongside others who are healing and gaining strength and understanding from each other. Group therapy is guided by a trained therapist, but all patients are encouraged to participate and interact in order to learn from each other. Other types of groups like 12-Step groups also are great helps for individuals as they continue on in their recovery at home.
Ongoing Care After Addiction Treatment
Many people who return home after a treatment program must rebuild their lives. Some may have lost their jobs or housing and have few health relationships or resources. Therefore, many individuals can benefit from community- and governmental-based resources such as the following:
- Subsidized housing options
- Job-training programs
- Food assistance
- Daycare vouchers
- Relationship counseling
None of these options have to be permanent but can be a great help for people as they rebuild their lives in a sober and healthy way. Many people who have been addicted to crystal meth will also need ongoing medical treatment. The following illnesses are common for those who have abused meth in the past and will need to be addressed and monitored long term:
Making sure you are under the care of a supervising physician is crucial as you continue to pursue health after an addiction.
Fighting Temptation and Relapse in Aftercare
In recovery, it important to develop and keep a plan for the temptation to relapse. Most everyone who has been addicted in the past will be tempted to relapse at some point or another. Ways to help fight relapse include the following:
- Strong support system – Everyone recovering from addiction needs a list of people who they can call at any time when they are tempted to use again. It’s helpful to have a friend who will go with you to a party where there may be drugs or be willing to come get you if you find yourself in a compromising situation. They can send encouraging texts throughout the day and check on you regularly.
- Sober/clean friends and hangouts – It will always be a struggle to not go back to the same friends and places that were comfortable when you were in your addiction. Developing new patterns of social circles is a big step in creating a sober life.
- A plan for the way out – Anytime the potential to encounter drugs or drug use is present, you need a plan — excuse included — to leave immediately.
Help for Crystal Meth Addiction
Recovery is possible, but it is important to remember that it is also an investment in your future and your family. This investment will require time and hard work, but it will be worth every second you put in it. If you need help finding a program that can treat your crystal meth addiction, we have a trusted network of providers we can recommend for you.
We are here to answer your questions and connect you with high-quality treatment. Please call our 24-hour, toll-free helpline, 269-280-4673, today to begin your recovery journey.
